Disney Magic

When we moved here I promised I would never waste vacation time going to Disneyland in Paris. Our kids had been to Disneyland so many times that it seemed unnecessary when there were so many things in Europe we would never be able to see again.

After so many of our American friends told us how fun it was and how it really was different than the California version, we decided to give in to our kids' wishes and try it out. I'm so glad we did. It was a beautiful day and we had so much fun. The lines weren't terrible so we actually were able to go on a lot of the rides. It was kind of cool to see the newer interpretations of everything and I loved it that the park was a little smaller and it was easier to get from land to land.

A huge downside: smoking is allowed in the park. There's nothing like waiting in line while the person in front of you is blowing smoke your way. The other funny thing was that people weren't quite sure how to form lines. When I made my way to the concessions stand (more than once), instead of one or two lines, there was just a large mass of people grouped together. I wasn't sure who was first in line or who to stand behind. Lastly, for being the happiest place on earth, the Disneyland employees weren't too happy to provide friendly customer service. Weird! I'm used to those overly smiley folks walking around Disneyland hoping to make your day by trading pins with you.

Anyway, like I said, I'm so glad that we took the trip as it will be a great memory for us and the kids. A month and a half later, Henry is still belting out "It's a Small World" wherever he goes...outside to play, in the bathroom, in bed...our neighbor thinks it's pretty funny.

The entrance to Disneyland Paris

Walking right down the middle of Main Street USA

Our first view of Sleeping Beauty's Castle

Some strangers take better pictures than others

Our first stop was Ruby's choice and mine as well

The ride was fun because the song was sung in French at the beginning and then switched into other languages, including English

It was interesting to see images of North America that aren't included in the original Small World

Right when we walked off of Small World there was a mini-parade just starting

The kids were excited to see a few characters but it didn't last long.
By mini I mean there were about 3 or 4 floats!

Pete took Alex and Ruby on Star Tours while Henry and I headed off to...

...destroy Zurg on the Buzz Lightyear ride

I love this because you can barely see the top of Henry's head in the picture

Next, it was off to Pirates of the Caribbean.
The ride is pretty similar only the scenes are in a different order.
Oh and the drops were in a different place so even I was surprised.

Can you spot us in the back of the boat?

While Pete ran to get some fast passes the kids and I headed over to fantasy land.
The line for the tea cups wasn't as long as I had anticipated and Pete wasn't back in time to ride with the kids. Let's just say I haven't ridden on the tea cups since I was a kid for a very good reason. The kids were nice to me though and didn't spin us too fast.

Henry was excited to go on Big Thunder Mountain.
Alas, he was a couple inches too short and they wouldn't let him on.

Waiting in line for Big Thunder before Henry and I got kicked out

Alex was a little more hesitant than Ruby even though he had been on the ride before back home

This picture is funny because Pete was actually taking a picture of our kids when his picture was taken

If you look closely at this picture you will see rocks on the other side of the water.
The train actually goes through a tunnel under the water and comes out on those rocks on the other side. While Henry and I were waiting we kept seeing trains pop up over there and couldn't figure out where they were coming from.

A family picture

We couldn't figure out why we weren't having any luck finding characters in the park.
When we finally stopped to eat lunch at this fun buffet place, we discovered a lot of them inside.

Pluto trying to steal a drink of Henry's apple juice

Getting close and personal with Alex

Ruby was bawling because she kept trying to get a picture with Minnie and was getting ignored.
Mickey came over and it was really cute because he was trying to comfort her and get her to smile.

Big hug

A cheered up Ruby

Minnie finally shows up

This cool beanstalk was sprouting up right in Fantasyland

For the finale the kids took one last ride on the carousel

Henry definitely did not want to get off of his horse

Ruby said it was the best day ever!

Trying to get the sword out of the stone on our way out

See you soon!